What to listen for:

"To truly understand your dog, embrace the power of observation, question the environment, and engage with the nuances of their behavior."

Our hosts, Robin Greubel, Crystal Wing, and Stacy Barnett, take a deep dive into the role of critical thinking for handlers.

We’ve all been there—reading a viral dog training post and feeling an emotional gut-punch, or second-guessing ourselves after watching a training video. We need to learn to slow down, analyze, and ask better questions. Robin emphasizes watching videos without sound to assess the clarity of intent. Crystal introduces her favorite training reflection game: pause and predict. And Stacy reflects on how questioning cues—like saying “drop”—led to big lightbulb moments in her own training.

Our hosts share how truly understanding what (and why) you’re training builds better habits and stronger bonds between handler and dog. Whether it’s breaking down complex skills like a retrieve into more manageable pieces or recognizing how forward motion might unintentionally reinforce barking, it’s all about peeling back the layers.

The Dames of Detection look into how fear-based language can cloud judgment, and how to filter training advice by considering the source, the context, and your own dog’s needs. Crystal encourages following trainers with different views to stretch your thinking. Robin adds that respectful, private conversations often lead to deeper clarity than public debates.

Most importantly, critical thinking is a skill, not a fixed trait. Like any skill, it improves with practice. So whether you’re evaluating a post, adjusting a cue, or watching your dog’s body language, stay curious. Be open. Ask questions.

In the end, sharper thinking leads to stronger training, and your dog feels the difference.

Key Topics:

• “What Exactly Are You Training in This Video?” (00:00)
• Focus on the Message You’re Trying to Teach (08:55)
• What Stops Trainers from Thinking Critically? (14:46)
• The Problem with Fear-Based Training (19:14)
• What Happens to Your Dog Training Without Critical Thinking? (24:02)
• Avoid Close-Mindedness and Preconceived Notions (33:40)
• The Power of Active Listening (39:01)
• Overcoming Analysis Paralysis (45:44)
• “It Depends on the Dog.” (50:07)
• Takeaways (54:19)

We want to hear from you:

• Check out the K9 Detection Collaborative FB page and comment on the episode post!
• K9Sensus Detection Dog Trainer Academy
• K9Sensus Foundation can be found on Facebook and Instagram. We have a Trainer’s Group on Facebook!
• Scentsabilities Nosework is also on Facebook. Here is a Facebook group you should join!
• Crystal Wing (CB K9) can be found here!
• You can follow us for notifications of upcoming episodes, find us at k9detectioncollaborative.com